Romans 12:1-2

So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. Romans 12:1-2

Friday, December 6, 2013

Christmas Letter 2013

From my desk I can see the snow has tapered to light flurries.  With a snow day from school, it seemed like the perfect time to write a Christmas letter.

Last year I did a month by month photo recap, this year, you get a family member recap...

Hubby - Hubby completed two marathons this year and will start training in January for a half-triathlon.  (L. shares Hubby's love of running and has done cross country this year along with some 5ks.)  Hubby was promoted in his job from a director to a "dean".  He also continues to keep busy with the boys and has started a remodel project at my Dad's house.  Our whole family fell more in love with our new niece this year, but ultimately she's the apple of Uncle Debbie's eye.


A (me) - I was able to enjoy a couple of weekend trips at the beginning of summer with my bestie and with my sister (Aunt).  It was actually one of the best summers that I can recall - mostly because of cooler temps and normal everyday stuff.  While I didn't make a job transition this year (I was very thankful that our new principal extended my temporary contract.), I moved from second to first grade.  I work with a team of veteran teachers who take wonderful care of me and I absolutely love my class!  I am amazed at how much first graders can do and understand.  As there is so much controversy surrounding education standards right now, I just do my best to love and teach each individual student.



M - M. started playing tennis in the spring.  Even though he switched schools (local public to a private Christian school), he will be able to keep playing.  He continues to be interested in leadership - in his church youth group and at school.  He is the freshman class vice-president and attended the district and state Student Council conventions.  I just can't believe he will be making college plans in a few short years!




L - I mentioned L's running love and cross country earlier.  In the spring he raised a large amount of money (this year was his turn - M. has done it in the past) for Relay for Life (thank you friends and family).  I don't think he ran at the Relay event, but had fun for the evening with Aunt and then flew by himself the next morning to join the rest of us for our niece/cousin's dedication.  L. also continues to be involved in Scouts- he loves camping and is about to earn his next rank.  Currently, he is on Senior Patrol as the Chaplain.



We were so blessed to spend time with far away family so many times this year. We made our annual Hockey trip to Dallas in February, family has come to visit (and will be again soon!), we vacationed with family in July in Virginia and the Outer Banks, the boys spent time with their grandparents before school started, we camped in Colorado, saw more fam in OKC, and just spent Thanksgiving in Albuquerque. We are also blessed to see Aunt often. She even picks the boys up at school every Wednesday and takes them out. L's new love is Starbucks!



That's about it for the Smith family.  I'd love to hear what your family has been up to this year - please use my blog or FB to exchange a greeting.

We hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and New Year!

This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son 
into the world that we might live through Him.  I John 4:9

2 comments:

  1. This is awesome! Thank you for sharing your family with us! We had so hoped to make it to Oklahoma for Christmas but are unable to make it. The three of us (D., T., & H) will spend the time together. It will be nice and quiet and not rushed as a trip home. Every year I say I must do a letter to send with cards, but don't get it done. Maybe this is the year!
    Love you all! Teresa

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  2. Wonderful newsletter - thank you for sharing it!

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